RAYMOND WARREN FROM TORQUAY SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE IN EXETER

In a case that has shocked the local community, Raymond Warren, a 70-year-old resident of Salisbury Avenue in Torquay, was sentenced to prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against two young boys. The crimes, which spanned nearly a decade, were brought to light only recently, revealing a disturbing pattern of abuse that had remained hidden for many years.

Exeter Crown Court heard that Warren had engaged in prolonged and serious sexual misconduct involving two boys aged 11 and 12 at the time the abuse began. The court was told that Warren kept his dark secrets for almost 25 years, during which he subjected his victims to a series of indecent assaults, gross indecency, and other serious sexual offenses. The abuse was described as a gross breach of trust, with Warren using his position and age to manipulate and exploit the innocence of the young boys.

One of the victims was so deeply traumatized by the experience that he contemplated ending his own life. During the proceedings, prosecutor Mary McCarthy detailed how Warren took advantage of the boys over an extended period, even showing one of them pornographic videos before the sexual acts took place. The abuse began when the boys were just 11 and 12 years old, and the court heard that Warren's actions caused immense psychological harm. When one of the boys cried out in pain during the assault, Warren ignored his distress and continued, demonstrating a complete disregard for the victim's suffering.

The court was informed that the offenses only came to light recently when one of the victims reported the abuse to the police. The investigation uncovered that Warren had previously been cautioned in 1999 for sex offenses involving a 12-year-old girl, indicating a troubling pattern of predatory behavior.

In a powerful impact statement, one of the victims expressed the long-lasting effects of Warren's actions, revealing that he still experiences frequent thoughts of suicide and harbors strong feelings of anger and betrayal towards Warren. The victim also expressed fears about Warren's potential release from prison, should that occur.

During the trial, Warren admitted to all 30 charges against him, which included indecent assaults, gross indecency, and other serious sexual offenses. Defense counsel Rupert Taylor argued that Warren had confessed to the crimes promptly after being questioned, which spared the victims from having to relive their trauma in court. Mr. Taylor also stated that Warren's family life had been destroyed by his actions, and that he was deeply ashamed and embarrassed.

Judge Graham Cottle sentenced Warren to eight years in prison. The judge emphasized the severity and prolonged nature of the abuse, describing it as a gross breach of trust that caused significant harm to the victims. In addition to the prison term, Warren was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, and he was banned from working with children or associating with anyone under 16 unless supervised by an adult. The judge also warned Warren that upon his release, his activities and movements would be closely monitored by authorities to prevent any further harm.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for continued efforts to protect vulnerable children from predators hiding in seemingly ordinary communities like Torquay and Exeter.